Guatemala



Locations. Southern Guatemala has the populated mountain ranges with rolling clouds over the upper slope jungles and an extensive dense forest covering the foothills below. In the northern half of Guatemala, vast lowland plains support expanses of largely inaccessible, undulating hardwood forest, dotted with the occasional banana plantation. The coastal plain along the Pacific coast is intensely cultivated, sustaining plantations of coffee, sugarcane, and bananas, alongside cotton fields. Guatemala City is not a beautiful city however Antigua Guatemala is a stunning colonial city in the shadow of a spectacular volcano surrounded by picturesque countryside and villages. Thirty volcanoes to chose from - well formed cones, some still active. Mayan Pyramids in Tikal. Mayan villages with colourfully clothed locals.

Permits are typically same day or within a couple of days. Permission to shoot the Mayan ruins at Tikal has very little red tape as opposed to shooting Mayan ruins in Mexico where it could take a few weeks. This easy access to shooting Mayan ruins is one of the main reasons to shoot in Guatemala.

When to shoot? Southern Guatemala's mountains are high enough to escape the tropical heat and humidity, and at altitude temperatures during the wet season are not excessive. In the dry season they are cool and it can even be cold at night. The very cloudy and rainy wet season runs from May to October, followed by a drier and sunnier 'winter' season from December to March. Northern Guatemala is hot with high to very high heat and humidity during the wet season, while 'winters' are warm with a brief dry season lasting from February to April. The coastal plain along the Pacific coast receives high rainfall from May to October when it is also very hot and humid. The dry season is less hot and a lot sunnier.

For monthly weather statistics please see here: http://www.gaisma.com/en/dir/gt-country.html

Please contact us for more specific weather and sun path information.

Costs. Locations, local talent and support crew are inexpensive but since little to no filming infrastructure exists all key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad.

Talent is non-union and buyouts are negotiable. Day rates are very reasonable and negotiated on a personal basis.

Casting facilities are rather undeveloped in Guatemala so street casting is often required.

Guatemala offers mostly Amerindian looks with some European and Mestizos looks also available. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.

Creative talent. Guatemala has no pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers.

Please contact us for recommended directors, DoP's and photographers for your project.

Crews are also non-union. Limited depth of local crews. It is advisable to bring your key crew from abroad.

Fringes and Premiums. Guatemala works on a twelve hour day. No fixed premiums apply. We package deals for local crew / talent.

Equipment. You will need to bring in all equipment from abroad.

Art department and set construction is very basic.

Studios and backlots. None exist at present.

Tax Incentives. At present there are no tax incentives for foreign commercials or films shooting in Guatemala.

Film Stock. No film stock available locally. Best to bring in from Miami or Mexico which have both Fuji and Kodak available.

Post Production. No labs exist locally. Post abroad.

Visas and Work Permits. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Contact your local Guatemalan embassy or representative for more information.

Transportation. The road system is quite undeveloped. Guatemala is well serviced domestically by Copa Airlines and Taca Airlines. The following international airlines service flights to Guatemala - Continental, American, Delta, United ,Taca and Mexicana.

Accommodation. Recommended hotels include: 



Guatemala City:
Casa Serena - http://www.hotelcasaserena.com/
Intercontinental - http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/guaha?_requestid=100327

Camino Real - http://www.starwoodhotels.com/

Tikal (for Mayan Pyramids):
Jungle Lodge - http://junglelodgetikal.com/

Antigua Guatemala:
El Convento - http://www.elconventoantigua.com/
Porta Hotel - http://www.portahotels.com/en/content/porta-hotel-antigua

Please contact us for corporate rates.

For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.

Communication. Web posted casting and scouting.

Safety. Guatemala is a safe centre for filming.

If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer in Guatemala, please contact us.

We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.